How to Do a Japanese Head Spa at Home (Simple Routine)

To do a Japanese head spa at home, start with a slow dry scalp massage and gentle brushing, rest a warm towel over your head for a few minutes, then wash and rinse your hair slowly with lukewarm water while massaging your scalp. The whole routine takes about 30 to 45 minutes, and you only need a hairbrush, a hand towel, your usual shampoo and a quiet, dimly lit bathroom.

Part of the 10-Minute Wind-Down series: short, calm routines you can do at home.

Time needed: About 30 to 45 minutes.

What you need: A hairbrush, a hand towel, your usual shampoo and a quiet, dimly lit bathroom.

A head spa at a salon usually combines scalp massage, warm towels and a careful wash in a calm setting. You cannot copy a salon exactly at home, but you can recreate the slow, unhurried feel. If you want to learn the basic scalp massage first, start with our 5-minute scalp massage routine.

What a Japanese head spa usually includes

Head spa services offered in Japanese-style salons vary from place to place, but most combine a few familiar elements: a consultation, a scalp massage, careful brushing or combing, warm towels, a slow wash and rinse, and a gentle finish such as a neck and shoulder massage. Some include a scalp check under magnification or extra products, which you will not need at home.

The feel is what makes it special: slow movements, low light, quiet sounds and plenty of time. That part is easy to bring home.

For a sense of the pace, watch this Japanese dry head spa ASMR video (video by benio店長 / ASMR屋さん on YouTube).

Set the mood: light, sound and a warm towel

• Light: turn off bright overhead lights and use a lamp or a candle placed safely away from towels.
• Sound: play soft rain, quiet music or nothing at all. Put your phone on silent.
• Warm towel: soak a hand towel in warm (not hot) water and wring it out well, or warm a dry towel on a radiator. Test it on the inside of your wrist first.
• Time: set aside 30 to 45 minutes when nobody needs you.

You can do this on yourself, or a partner, friend or family member can do it for you while you lie back.

Step 1: brush and a dry scalp massage

1. Brush your dry hair slowly from the roots to the ends to remove tangles. A wide-toothed comb works if you do not own a soft brush.
2. Place the pads of your fingers (not your nails) on your hairline and make small, slow circles, moving the scalp skin gently over the skull.
3. Work back over the crown, then the sides above your ears and finally the back of your head down to the base of the skull.
4. Finish with light, slow fingertip taps across the scalp.

Take about 10 minutes. Keep the pressure gentle and even.

Step 2: warm towel rest

Wrap the warm towel loosely around your head, or lay it across your forehead and the top of your head while you lie back. Close your eyes and breathe slowly for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove the towel if it starts to feel too warm or once it cools down.

Step 3: a slow, gentle wash

1. Wet your hair thoroughly with lukewarm water. Many people find lukewarm water more comfortable and calming than hot.
2. Lather a small amount of your usual shampoo in your hands before applying it.
3. Massage the shampoo in with slow fingertip circles, using the same order as the dry massage: hairline, crown, sides, back.
4. Take your time. Two to three minutes of slow massage feels very different from a quick scrub.

Step 4: rinse and finish

Rinse slowly and thoroughly, tilting your head so the water runs back and away from your face. Apply conditioner to the lengths if you normally use it, then rinse again. Pat your hair dry with a towel rather than rubbing. To finish, give your neck and the tops of your shoulders a few gentle squeezes and sit quietly for a minute.

Safety note: skip the massage and warm towel if your scalp is broken, irritated or has a rash, and see a doctor or dermatologist about any scalp concern. Stop if anything causes pain, dizziness or numbness.

Dry head spa vs wet head spa: which to try first

A dry head spa is just the massage, brushing and warm towel, with no washing. It is quick to set up, needs no bathroom and works well in the evening when you do not want to wet your hair. A wet head spa adds the slow wash and rinse, which takes longer and needs more space but feels more complete.

If you are new to this, try the dry version first. Once you know which strokes you enjoy, add the wash on a day when you have more time.

This is not medical advice; see a professional for pain.

Frequently asked questions

What is a head spa in Japan?

In Japan, a head spa is a salon service built around the scalp, usually combining scalp massage, a careful wash and relaxing touches such as warm towels. Exact steps and products vary by salon. Many people book it simply because they find it relaxing.

What is the difference between a head spa and a Japanese head spa?

“Head spa” is a general term for a scalp-focused salon service, and “Japanese head spa” usually refers to the style offered in Japanese salons and in Japanese-style salons elsewhere. There is no single official standard, so the details depend on the salon. In general, the Japanese style is known for a slow, quiet, unhurried pace.

Do I wash my hair before a hair spa?

For a salon visit, ask the salon, because each one has its own preference. At home, you can start with dry, unwashed hair, since the wash is part of the routine. If your hair has a lot of styling product in it, a quick rinse beforehand can make brushing easier.